Rookie 'Cameron Diaz' Impresses in Fall Season

In a year marked by surprising displays of freshman athleticism, Harvard’s women’s tennis team may be the next in line to boast some headlines thanks to a youthful star. Following last season’s sixth-place Ivy League finish, the Crimson needs a breath of new life to restore the team to its previous dominant streak, when it won four consecutive league titles from 2003 to 2006.

This year, they may find it in Cameron Diaz.

It’s an apt nickname for freshman Agnes Sibilski, who not only resembles the actress in physical appearance but also in her lighthearted personality.

Coach Traci Green sees Agnes—also known as Aggie—as a major source of the team’s energy.

“Agnes is definitely a joy to work with,” Green declares. “She’s got a natural energy about her that’s really fun and bubbly.”

But it isn’t just Sibilski’s personality and her resemblance to a famous actress that produce double takes.

Technically, the rising star of the tennis team could still be in high school.

“I’m only 17,” Sibilski chuckles, probably thinking of her peers back in Bethesda, Md., who are only now applying to college.

Furthermore, Sibilski, who plays No. 1 doubles with captain Stephanie Schnitter and has one of the better singles records on the team, lacks the intense background of many serious tennis players.

“I started learning when I was 10,” Silbiski explains, recollecting the seemingly casual way in which she took up the sport. “Neither of my parents played. There was a tennis center up the street from me, and they said it would be a good way to be healthy and stay active. They didn’t think I was going to be very good at it.”

But Sibilski surprised her parents, progressing through the junior tennis circuit and earning a few trips to national and international tournaments. Her newfound role at Harvard, however, has Sibilski playing the role of unexpected glee.

“It was definitely surprising to come and play at the top of the lineup,” Silbiski says. “It’s also really exciting to represent Harvard and play against really highly ranked teams. I play a lot of upperclassman and girls I’ve never seen before. It’s a lot different than I would have thought—everyone here is a lot nicer than in the juniors.”

Despite the tough competition, Sibilski performed well in some of her first matches as a college player.

Two weeks ago in the ITA Tournament, Sibilski made quick work of her first opponent, Radford’s Ivana Tomaic, but fell to the the No. 4 seed, William and Mary’s Ragini Archaya.

She had more success at home last week during the Harvard Invitational at the Murr Center, going 2-1 and winning the Flight A singles.

Sibilski also teamed up with Schnitter in the Flight A doubles during the Harvard Invitational. Although they did not walk away with the title, they lost a close 9-7 match to the eventual champions.

Schnitter is confident in her partner’s role on the team, as well as in the pair’s friendship.

“Considering that there are four freshman,” Schnitter says, “there’s lots of excitement, lots of enthusiasm. It’s a whole new team. Agnes definitely ontributed to bringing us together as a team. She lightens the mood and has a great sense of humor.”

“It’s nice to have a senior to work with,” the rookie says. “We’ve gotten really close and call out, ‘Hey DP!’—doubles partner—every time we see each other. Doubles is based on the relationship you have with your partner. I have trust in her, and we’ve really bonded well.”

Silbiski’s enthusiasm for Schnitter and the rest of the team carries onto the court and in her play, which has its own defining characteristics.

“She’s very feisty,” Green notes.

Compliments from the coach have more than face value, as Green is a former NCAA women’s tennis champion.

“She’s got that go-go-go attitude and loves to get control of the point,” she says. “She takes the game to another level and separates herself from other people. I really like the way she focuses and brings up the level of play in matches. She keeps practicing and always manages to find a way to raise her game.”

After closing out the first half of the season with some impressive victories at the Harvard Invitational, Silbiski and the rest of the women’s team turns towards the spring and hopes of reclaiming the Ivy League crown.

“She’ll do just fine here,” Schnitter declares.